Erbe had a 24-year college career record of 554-261-3, and first coached 12 years at USC (1976-77, 1979-88) where he compiled a 310-121-3 record. He led the Trojans to AIAW Championships in 1976, 1977 and 1980, and to the NCAA Championship in 1981, the first year of NCAA competition for women’s sports. USC advanced to AIAW or NCAA Tournament play in 11 of his 12 years as head coach. He also coached Michigan State to the NCAA Volley Four in 1995. Internationally, Erbe headed the USA women’s team in the 1974 World Volleyball Championships in Mexico City and led the United States to back-to- back titles in the Pacific Rim Junior Championships in 1975 and 1976. The 1975 win marked the first time in volleyball history that a USA team defeated Japan at any level. In 1979, he served as assistant for the women’s USA National Team. He coached the USA women’s team in the 1981 World University Games in Bucharest. Erbe began his coaching career in 1973 at Marina High School where the OC team had a perfect 20-0 record and won the National High School Championship. He served as a hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 1964-68.

After leaving the Navy, Erbe completed his degree in physical education at Cal State Fullerton (1968-72). He was an AVCA HOF inductee in 2013.